Valley View Hot Springs will be closed from December 1 through the 28, reopening on December 29. A tradition here at the hot springs, it's a time for staff to work on maintenance projects that are difficult to do while guests use the facility. It's also a time for rejuvenation, peace and quiet for the springs, the wildlife and the land. This is the one time it is OK to…

To all of the wonderful volunteers who donated time to Orient Land Trust this season: Our Volunteer Appreciation Weekend is scheduled for December 7 & 8. If you are a volunteer in good standing and have participated in our program for 2018 you are invited! Invitations will be mailed next week so please keep a lookout! If you have moved, changed your address or do not receive your invitation, please…

Orient Land Trust's current board is doing an awesome job ensuring that the vision and mission of OLT is met. The current and past board members work closely with OLT staff to keep things spinning like a smooth running hydro generator creating energy that electrifies all visitors. I believe OLT's influence join other tribes in being guardians of our world. Perhaps the season of longer nights may lead to your…

"Speak only if it improves upon the silence." - Mahatma Gandhi Orient Land Trust (OLT) is a magical place for first time visitors and "old timers" alike. For those who have never been here (especially city dwellers), the dark skies and quiet nights can be both enchanting and also a bit disorienting, as it's quite different from typical ambient light and noise levels. OLT is committed to keeping it's corner…

People sometimes ask, "What's the biggest problem?" While there are not an overwhelming number of disruptions, we do get complaints. Some are about dogs, some are about other people's behaviors that make people uncomfortable, some are about overindulgence or substance abuse. If you follow the thread far enough, the general attitude that generates a specific complaint is usually traced to behavior that is inconsiderate and self-absorbed. Problem people want to…

This fall we say good-bye to several front desk staff and hello to some new friendly faces! Stephanie left in late August for her second year at Fort Lewis College. Stephanie started her career with OLT as a 16-year-old intern and recipient of the Eiseman Grant. After her first summer, Stephanie was hired to work the front desk and has been an integral part of our family for several years!…

On Saturday, September 29, we celebrated our third annual Harvest Celebration! Folks were able to visit the animals and pick their own veggies while touring the garden and greenhouses along with buggy rides to the Everson Reservoir. Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch from the grill where our beef burgers or portabella mushrooms were a highlight, along with garden salad, apple crisp (from the apples at the Apple Tree Pools, thank…

Orient Land Trust is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to the preservation of Valley View Hot Springs (VVHS) and its viewshed—including natural and biologic resources, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, open space, and historic and geologic features of the northern San Luis Valley—for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations.

Values

Dedication to inclusiveness and the public good

Accountability to a diverse public community and maintaining their trust